Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Every October 31st, kids go wild - costumes, sugar, excitement - but what if that same energy is quietly shaping ADHD diagnoses? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a fascinating new study showing a 14% spike in ADHD diagnoses on Halloween day. They explore what this says about subjectivity in diagnosis, the risks of overlabelling kids, and how our environments - not just our children - might need rethinking. KEY POINTS: A new Harvard study found ADHD diagnoses rise 14% on Halloween compared to surrounding days. ADHD remains a subjective diagnosis — there’s no blood test or scan to confirm it. Why environment and maturity often explain behaviours mistaken for “disorder.” The real risks of misdiagnosis — medication, labelling, and self-perception. Why it’s time to look at what’s happening around kids, not just within them. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “There isn’t anything wrong with her — she just doesn’t fit the mould of wh